VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Navy will forgo a traditional, pier-side sendoff for the USS Gerald R. Ford due to severe weather forecast for Hampton Roads.
The Ford is slated embark on its first deployment Monday from Naval Station Norfolk. But the sendoff will not include a crowd of friends and loved ones lining the pier to wish roughly 4,000 sailors fair winds and following seas.
“Due to weather and safety, the ship has not planned to invite family or the public to see them off tomorrow,” said Lara Bollinger, public affairs officer for the U.S. 2nd Fleet.
